Lights, Camera, Love

AGLA organizing Artishpere ''kiss-in'' to promote tolerance

A video of LGBT people embracing love in the streets of Paris has caught the attention of the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance (AGLA), which plans to produce their own version of the video using local LGBT people and straight allies. AGLA is a nonprofit organization that strives to improve the quality of life and meet the needs of the Arlington LGBT community through education and leadership.

The original video, posted on AmericaBlog and titled ”Kisses for Christmas,” shows same-sex couples hugging and kissing to the tune of ”Kisses for Christmas” by German singer Thomas Anders.

”We thought it would be interesting to make an Arlington version using the tagline ‘Arlington is for all lovers,”’ says AGLA President Daniel Hays.

AGLA will be shooting its video, ”Holiday Hugs and Kisses,” at the Artisphere in Rosslyn on Dec. 4, from 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The video shoot, which is free and open to the public, will be hosted by drag entertainer Destiny B. Childs and will feature performances from other LGBT artists. The video will be premiered at the Artisphere on Dec. 20.

”This is meant to be a fun, festive, community-building event aimed at showing positive expressions amongst LGBT individuals” says Hays, adding that AGLA members hope the video will send a positive message that LGBT people are no different from other people, that, ”Our love and affection has just as much value as everyone else.”

Artisphere is located at 1101 Wilson Blvd., Rosslyn. For more information or to volunteer, visit agla.org.